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 he
network of chapels and churches in North Catalonia is dense
– it signals the historic importance of the religious passion
of the region. This heritage holds a uniqueness which distinguishes
it from France, and is bonded together with the rest of Catalonia.
More than 500 Baroque style altarpieces are catalogued in the
region, Many churches possess several, rivalling wisdom or of
an innocent realism. A long list of these elements of heritage
are illustrated by the art between the 16th Century and the
19th Century at Illa, Vinça, Prades, Baixàs, Canet,
Perpignan, Trullars, Oms and Hix.
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| Altarpiece
of Sant Feliu
d'Avall (Rosselló Micro Region) |
These
altarpieces recount the history of the region, isolated from
the rest of Catalonia by the Treaty of the Pyrénées
in 1659, remaining loyal to their own artistic expression thanks
to the sculptors from Barcelona who didn’t cease to work in
the sacred places. Sunyer, Tremullas and Generés were
the principal artists who maintained the Catalan religious language,
from that time of a strong Catholic association. Following the
religious reforms of the 17th Century each European country
adapted their altarpieces to their personality, the Catalans
opted for gilded wood in a triumphal Baroque style which the
Paris art authorities refer to as demonstrative compared with
the classical French style. This artistic-religious language,
common in the Hispanic sphere, defines the Catalan spirit. The
expression of the Catalan people is rediscovered in the figures,
sculpted, animated and theatrical. These in turn reflect the
social reality and difficulties of the period. Despite the precariousness
of the times and the challenges facing the general population,
these rich creations, real shimmering gold, were made possible
by generous financial assistance that highlights the religious
fervour of faithful. The Baroque altarpieces of North Catalonia
are today valued as a strong sign of the Catalan artistic genius.
Always appreciated locally, their profusion and their artistic
quality ensure that they also receive interest from the spiritually-minded
tourist.
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